30 Minute Bible Studies blog

Bible Society Australia

During the month of October on our 30 Minute Bible Studies Facebook Page we have participated in Bible Society Australia’s ‘Live light in 25 words’ challenge. The goal is to read 25 words or more every day in October to establish a regular Bible reading habit. If you’ve been following our progress on our Facebook page, you’ll know we’re reading the whole Gospel of Matthew in October.

Today we are reading Matthew 24:29-51.

No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. (Matthew 24:29)

The first verse in this passage sets the scene for Jesus’ illustration of our need to be aware that He could return at any time, with no warning. This leads us to a challenging question: How we can live in a way that ensures we are prepared for Jesus’ return, which may or may not happen during our lifetime?

Bible Society Australia are encouraging people to ‘Live light in 25 words’ by reading 25 words or more from the Bible every day from October 1-31. Reading the Bible daily for 31 days can help you develop a routine and create a habit of daily Bible reading.

You can follow our reading progress through the book of Matthew on the 30 Minute Bible Studies Facebook Page. There are 28 chapters in Matthew and our family goal is to read a chapter a day.

I’ve included a link below to a ‘Live light in 25 words’ YouTube clip to encourage and inspire you to think about taking up the challenge of daily Bible reading. We all lead busy lives and it can be easy to forget why it is important to read God’s word every day.

One of the challenges I face as a parent is how to encourage my kids to read the Bible. Sometimes the sheer size of a Children’s Bible can be intimidating plus the decision on where to start reading can be time consuming in itself.

I recently came across a great little resource from Bible Society Australia called Top 10 Bible Stories From Mark. It’s a small book, 68 pages, written and illustrated in a way that will appeal to kids. There are ten chapters that cover the main stories in the Gospel of Mark.

I really liked the cute cartoon-style illustrations that drew out the main point in each story. The stories themselves are not para-phrased but are taken from The Bible Today – Contemporary English Version. It’s a fun way for kids to read the Bible and learn more about the Gospel of Mark.

During the month of October, Bible Society Australia are encouraging people to ‘Live light in 25 words’ by reading 25 words or more from the Bible every day from October 1-31.

There is a sign up page on their website and you can receive daily encouragement emails in October to help you create and maintain a habit of reading the Bible every day. You can also read the Bible with well-known Aussie Christians to inspire your daily habit. And watch ‘The Good Book talks’ – 20 minute talks from Aussie Christian leaders to encourage your Bible reading habit.

My family and I are going to participate and there was a lot of discussion over which part of the Bible we should read. We’ve chosen to read the Gospel of Matthew and our goal is to read the entire gospel during October.

I’ll post more information toward the end of September and you’ll be able to follow our daily reading progress on the 30 Minute Bible Study Facebook page. We hope you’ll join us in reading 25 words or more from the Bible during the 31 days in October.